Afghans Still Suffer From War Trauma Five Years After US Military Withdrawal: UN
Afghanistan has endured over 40 years of continuous warfare, causing widespread death, displacement and destruction, according to a new UN report.
Between 2009 and 2021 – as fighting raged between coalition and coalition-backed government forces, the Taliban, and other militants – the United Nations Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) documented over 40,000 civilian deaths and more than 77,000 injuries.
This report focuses on this period of conflict up to the Taliban takeover, based on interviews with almost 200 victims of armed conflict and their relatives.
Key findings include:
- Emotional and psychological harm: 95% of those interviewed experienced emotional or psychological trauma, reporting symptoms such as depression, anxiety, memory loss, flashbacks, and other trauma-related issues.
- Physical harm: Nearly 60% also suffered physical injuries that continued to affect them long after the events. Some continue to live with chronic pain and disabilities, often unable to access adequate healthcare due to financial barriers or lack of facilities in Afghanistan.
- Economic impact: Injuries prevented some individuals from continuing their education or work, leading to serious economic consequences for them and their families. In some cases, relatives had to give up work or school to provide care.
- Economic insecurity for widows: Women widowed by the conflict face particular financial insecurity due to restrictions imposed by Afghanistan’s Taliban authorities limiting their access to employment.
- Lack of redress: More than half (55%) of those interviewed had never sought compensation or any form of redress, often believing their concerns would be dismissed or fearing retaliation. Of those who tried, 64% reported unsuccessful efforts due to bureaucratic obstacles, lack of response, perceived discrimination, and limited transparency.
Victims identified the following needs:
- Financial compensation (81%)
- Access to justice (48%)
- Personal security guarantees (47%)
"The interviews we conducted highlight the depth and breadth of collective trauma that continues within Afghan society," said Georgette Gagnon, a UNAMA official. "Key to addressing the needs of victims is an acknowledgement of the harm done and a genuine commitment to putting victims’ voices and rights at the center."
